About
DIVERSITAS
International cooperation in research and decision-making is critical for solving global environmental problems such as the accelerating loss of biodiversity. As species, habitats and landscapes disappear, societies stand to lose the very benefits that have fostered prosperity and which will nurture future generations. A number of scientists from all parts of the world have decided to combine their efforts in initiating DIVERSITAS, a partnership of inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations, formed to promote, facilitate and catalyse scientific research on biodiversity - its origin, composition, ecosystem function, maintenance, and conservation. The goal of DIVERSITAS is to provide accurate scientific information and predictive models of the status of biodiversity and sustainability of the use of the Earth's biotic resources, and to build a world-wide capacity for the science of biodiversity. DIVERSITAS is the only existing programme that co-ordinates a broad research effort in the sciences concerning biodiversity at the global level. The expertise supplied by virtually all DIVERSITAS programme elements is relevant to the aims of Agenda 21 and the Convention on Biological Diversity, as well as providing scientific input to the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), thereby helping it to fulfil its advisory function of the Conference of the Parties as stated in Article 25 of the Convention.With its interdisciplinary focus, ranging from the natural to the human dimensions of biodiversity, DIVERSITAS will provide key insights into a broad range of important socio-economic policy questions and will foster innovations and partnerships between research institutions and universities of developed and developing countries.
DIVERSITAS was established in 1991 and it is the only existing umbrella programme to coordinate a broad research effort in the biodiversity sciences at the global level. It is co-sponsored by International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS), Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE), United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Council for Science (ICSU), International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) and International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS).
Chairman José Sarukhán
DIVERSITAS Secretariat
DIVERSITAS, UNESCO, Division of Ecological Sciences, 1 rue Miollis, 75015
Paris, France
Tel: (33 1) 4568 4093/Fax: (33 1) 4568 5804
Email: diversitas@unesco.org
Full list of Scientific Steering Committee
Procedure for Adoption of new DIVERSITAS Components
A project can originate from a variety of organisations and individuals but has to be international or have the potential to be international. For acceptance into the programme project leaders should approach their DIVERSITAS national Committees (if there is one), OR a co-sponsoring body OR the focal point of the relevant Element or STAR (with a copy to the DIVERSITAS Secretariat) for review. The proposal is passed to the Scientific Steering Committee for final approval
